“I will definitely give up the captaincy if the coach doesn’t bench him in our next match. I can’t captain a team with someone displaying that attitude,” Bukayo Saka said, voicing his frustration over a teammate’s conduct during last night’s game, which nearly led to a red card.

Bukayo Saka recently voiced his frustration regarding a teammate’s conduct during a match, stating that he would consider stepping down as captain if the coach does not address the issue and bench the player in the upcoming game. Saka was disturbed by the player’s attitude, which almost led to a red card incident, and feels that leading a team with such behavior is untenable.

The match against Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) echoed Arsenal’s previous game, where they took an early 2-0 lead against Leicester City. However, unlike that encounter, PSG proved to be formidable opponents, especially in the second half, presenting a significant challenge for Arsenal. Despite this, the team maintained control and focused on avoiding any unnecessary drama.

This performance illustrated a notable change from the previous season, particularly in European competitions. Last year, Arsenal often appeared inexperienced in crucial matches, but this time they displayed a level of maturity and tactical acumen. Manager Mikel Arteta acknowledged this shift, praising the team’s preparation and intensity against a strong PSG side, and emphasized the need to build on this positive momentum.

After the match, Saka expressed optimism about Arsenal’s prospects for the Premier League title, citing strong performances against top teams as a reason for his confidence.

In a notable development, Mikel Merino made his long-awaited debut for Arsenal after an injury delayed his initial training. The Spanish midfielder quickly made an impact with his presence and leadership, actively instructing teammates like Riccardo Calafiori shortly after coming on. Internally, Merino is seen as a vital addition, expected to blend seamlessly into the squad. Arteta commended his readiness, highlighting that despite only having one training session, Merino was eager to contribute. During the match, he effectively partnered with Declan Rice, demonstrating physicality and winning duels, while also executing a particularly impressive sliding tackle that energized the crowd.

Kai Havertz further established his significance to the team with his performance against PSG. Although his previous goal had an element of luck, his latest strike was the result of strategic play, showcasing his intelligence and positioning. This goal marked his sixth consecutive score at the Emirates, reinforcing his home form. Arteta praised Havertz’s physicality and game awareness, noting his ability to find space effectively. Havertz himself has adapted to the physical demands of the No. 9 role, acknowledging a newfound enjoyment in physical confrontations.

This evolution in Havertz’s game has shifted discussions about Arsenal’s need for a new striker, as doubts about his capability have subsided, positioning him as a key solution for the team.